When John Reardon became Charles County’s Economic Development Director in 2006, he took over the reigns from Marcia Keeth.  Now he’s handing them back.

Marcia Keeth will become Acting Director of the County’s Economic Development Department (EDD) when the current director, John Reardon, leaves on October 3rd to take a position with The Facchina Companies in La Plata.  The County is searching nationally for Reardon’s permanent replacement.  They expect the process will take about three months.

“I’m sorry to see John Reardon go,” said Ms. Keeth.  “He has elevated and energized the county’s economic development program in a way that will have an enormous impact on the County’s economic future.”

Ms. Keeth has lived in Charles County since 1989 and has been with the County’s Economic Development Office since January 2002.  She began working with the County as the Marketing Director for the private, non-profit Economic Development Commission (EDC) and became its Acting Director after the retirement of the former EDC’s Executive Director in early 2005.  During her tenure as acting EDC Director, Keeth oversaw the transformation of the Economic Development office from that of a private non-profit commission into a department within the county government.  

When Reardon was hired as Director of the Economic Development Department, Keeth became Economic Development Chief of Community Development Services.  That made her responsible for developing assets that support business growth in the county.  

Her professional experience includes extensive background in marketing, advertising, public relations, and radio. She was a producer for Viacom’s Westwood One Radio in Crystal City, VA for 12 years before joining the former EDC.

“She served as Interim Director in the past, after Mr. Edwards retired, and did an outstanding job and I'm sure she'll do a great job now,” stated County Commission President, Wayne Cooper (D). 

During Keeth’s current acting director tenure, Cooper will serve as liaison between the EDD and the Board of Commissioners.  Additionally, County Administrator, Paul Comfort will involve himself more in the Economic Development Department’s daily operation.

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Charles County Editor, Anna Dailey welcomes your comments on all Charles County issues.
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